Photo Of Cops Goes Viral After Mother Reveals What They Were Really Caught Doing

A group of Texas police officers and the action they took is going viral after they went out of their way to help an autistic boy.

Sherry Lynn Hillard’s son, John, is autistic and prone to random fits of rage, the Independent Journal Review reported. On July 12, Sherry decided she needed back up.

The mother called police to help calm her son down. He was reportedly upset because he did not have a shirt that resembled that of the host of popular kids’ TV show “Blues Clues.”

Sherry Lynn took to Facebook to share details on what happened next:

In the last week I’ve had 6 police officers in my home because my sons meltdowns turned to rage. With so much negativity shown towards law enforcement lately, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show my appreciation for the empathy these officers had for my son. They showed up not knowing much about autism but they listened and learned while they kept us all safe. They also asked [A LOT] of questions so they wouldn’t do the wrong thing. The meltdown today was because John wants to dress like Joe on Blues Clues but I can’t find that same shirt anywhere. After calming him down, the officers went and bought a blue shirt and with Jenn’s fabric markers they attempted to create the shirt John wants. That’s what this pic is, 3 officers going above and beyond to help a severely autistic teenage boy! Sadly, it didn’t work, but the fact that they were willing to do this for my son made them hero’s in my eyes.

Sherry Lynn posted a photo of the three police officers working on creating a custom shirt for John. The post quickly went viral. It was shared more than 120,000 times, and garnered more than 300,000 likes.

The mother posted a follow-up picture showing her son in a version of the shirt he wanted, which was made by local designer Cutting Edge Designs.

“A HUGE THANK YOU TO CUTTING EDGE DESIGNS!!” she wrote. “He’s finally got his shirt!!!”

Several social media users commented on Sherry Lynn’s post with messages of support.

“This entire story broke my heart for this young man and his Mom,” wrote one Facebook user. “Thank you to those who all went above and beyond.”

“I’m so glad he got it. I had found your page to message you that I could make him one for you!!!!” wrote another.

“I’m happy your son got his shirt, please tell him he looks awesome in it,” added another commenter. “Thank you for sharing. Your posts are an inspiration to many. Wishing you and your family peace. Hugs.”

Sources: Independent Journal Review, Sherry Lynn Hillard/Facebook (2) / Photo credit: Matty Ring/Flickr, Sherry Lynn Hillard/Facebook (2)